PVTG

Ultra Poor Graduation for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

Our Partners:

Building resilient livelihoods and stronger futures for remote tribal communities

The Ultra Poor Graduation for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) project works with some of the most marginalized communities in Jharkhand to help households build sustainable livelihoods, strengthen financial resilience, and improve access to government services.

Designed for families living in remote, resource-constrained areas, the project combines livelihood support with community coaching, financial inclusion, technical training, and stronger connections to government programs. By building on participants’ existing knowledge and resources while introducing practical new skills, the project helps households increase income, improve food security, and plan more confidently for the future.

Rather than focusing on a single intervention, the project follows a holistic graduation approach. Participants receive livelihood assets, regular coaching, technical training, and support in accessing government benefits while strengthening the confidence and skills needed to achieve long-term economic stability.

How the Project Creates Change

Sustainable livelihoods

Participants receive livelihood assets and technical support tailored to local opportunities, including livestock rearing and mushroom cultivation

Hands-on training and regular coaching help families adopt improved agricultural and livestock practices that increase productivity while building on traditional knowledge

Community coaching

Coaches provide household mentoring that helps participants strengthen livelihoods, improve financial planning, and build confidence in making family decisions

Continuous support encourages lasting behavior change and helps households overcome challenges as they grow their livelihoods

Financial inclusion

The project promotes regular savings, helping families prepare for emergencies, invest in healthcare and education, and reduce dependence on high-interest loans

Participants receive support in updating their bank documentation and completing Aadhaar authentication to improve access to financial services and government benefits

Strengthening local systems

The project works closely with Gram Panchayats and government departments to improve access to livelihood programs, social protections, and essential public services

Through stronger coordination, households are better able to access the resources they need to build long-term resilience

Project Highlights

The project has helped strengthen livelihoods while building the knowledge and local systems that support long-term economic mobility.

Key achievements include:

  • Livelihood assets distributed to participants to strengthen household income generation
  • Technical training on livestock management and sustainable agriculture for community coaches and participants
  • Gram Panchayat stakeholder workshops that strengthened collaboration with local government and expanded access to public programs
  • Support for bank KYC updates and Aadhaar authentication, improving participants’ access to government benefits and financial services
  • Vaccination and veterinary treatment provided for livestock to improve animal health and productivity

The project has also generated several important lessons:

  • Regular coaching and household mentoring are essential for building trust and encouraging participants to adopt improved livelihood practices
  • Combining traditional knowledge with practical technical training helps increase agricultural and livestock productivity
  • Strong partnerships with local government improve access to programs and services that reinforce livelihood gains
  • Strengthening connections with local government not only improves access to public services but also creates community support systems that sustain progress beyond the life of the project

Story of Change

Turning Today’s Savings into Tomorrow’s Opportunities

In Daharlangi, Jharkhand, Dharmi Pahadin and her husband, Vaida Pahadiya, use to rely on irregular daily wage labor to support their family. As members of a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), most of their income went toward essentials, leaving little to save. During emergencies or when education expenses arose, they often depended on high-interest loans from local money lenders.

Their outlook changed through the Ultra Poor Graduation for PVTG in Jharkhand project. With guidance from a community coach, they learned practical saving and financial planning. Starting with INR 10–20 a day, they gradually built a habit of saving nearly INR 2,000 ($21 USD) each month.

These savings have strengthened the family’s financial stability and reduced their reliance on money lenders. They can now better prepare for emergencies and plan for their children’s education.

“Earlier, we only worried about surviving each day. Now, we can think and plan for our children’s future.”
— Dharmi Pahadin